The Housed Linear Actuator Model LAH13-11-000A from BEI Kimco has a flexure design that is said to ensure high alignment accuracy by preventing unwanted shaft rotation. PR Web photo.

VISTA, Calif.– BEI Kimco, a brand of Sensata Technologies, has introduced a new moving magnet voice coil actuator with a flexure design that is said to ensure high alignment accuracy by preventing unwanted shaft rotation. The VCA is especially suited where extreme precision is required, such as in medical equipment, laboratory instrumentation, clean rooms, low-outgassing, and aerospace applications, the company reported.

The Housed Linear Actuator Model LAH13-11-000A incorporates a shaft with flexures at both ends of travel that support the moving magnet field assembly. Besides preventing shaft rotation inaccuracies, the flexure design is said to eliminate friction and side-loads at non-vertical angles, as well as unwanted particulate accumulation caused from bearing/bushing shedding. Another attribute is its inherent ability to return the magnet to mid-stroke when re-energized, the company said in a press release (www.beikimco.com).

The new actuator delivers a peak force of 11.9 N and a continuous stall force of 0.7 N in a small, lightweight package that measures just 36.00 mm x 30.00 mm and weighs 0.22 lb. According to BEI Kimco, accuracy is limited only by the user's encoder used for feedback, and rigorous testing is said to assure long life.

"This plug-and-play housed actuator saves users time by eliminating the need to mount their own flexure or add a housing," said BEI Kimco Senior Applications Engineer Jim McNamara, in the release. "It really allows for seamless integration into their application."